Last Updated on: 14th March 2025, 07:47 am

Bolinao, Pangasinan, also known as the “Boracay of Pangasinan,” is a true tropical paradise. Its stunning white sand beaches and coconut trees make it the perfect getaway for beach lovers. But there’s more to Bolinao than just its beaches—it’s also home to breathtaking waterfalls, caves, and the cleanest river in Region 1.

I was glad that I got to explore this beautiful destination, and our 5-day stay was absolutely worth it! If you’re planning a trip, here’s a complete Bolinao Pangasinan itinerary + a list of the best resorts and inns to stay in.

Bolinao Pangasinan Itinerary + Where to stay

Bolinao Pangasinan Tourist Spots

Day 1: River Cruise at Balingasay River

On our first day, we had a late lunch at Sungayan Grill in the Balingasay River, which has been dubbed the cleanest river in the Ilocos Region. This stunning river is surrounded by lush mangroves spanning 5 hectares, creating a thriving ecosystem for various wildlife.

But this wasn’t just any lunch—it was a river cruise lunch. We dined in our private floating hut, gently pulled by a boat as we soaked in the breathtaking river views. The weather was a bit cloudy that day, which worked in our favor. Since we had a late lunch (around 3:30-4 PM), we avoided the intense midday sun—making the experience even more relaxing.

We ordered a fiesta bilao for 4-6 pax, which costs ₱1,500. It came with a platter of rice and soft drinks, which was perfect for our group of five. After our lunch, we also ordered fruit shakes as desserts. If you don’t want to take their river cruise, you can opt to eat in their floating restaurant, which is just beside the river.

Sungayan Grill River Cruise Prices:

• 12 Pax and Below – ₱1,100.00
• 13-19 Pax – ₱1,600.00
• 20-25 Pax – ₱2,200.00

Note that the river cruise rate is separate from the food menu rate. For a full list of their menu, you can visit their official Facebook page here

Sungayan Grill Location:

9V34+Q2W, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Day 2: Bolinao Falls 1, 2 and 3

Our second day was a trip to Bolinao Falls, and we planned it to be a whole-day tour since we were not going to just one but three waterfalls. The good thing about these three falls is that they are near each other, just a short drive away.

Our first stop was Bolinao Falls 1, the tallest and most picture-perfect of the three. There’s even a high wooden platform for those feeling adventurous enough to jump into the crystal-clear waters.

Next, we visited Bolinao Falls 2, which is smaller than the first but still a great spot for a quick swim. After that, we headed to Bolinao Falls 3, where we took a break and enjoyed our lunch. Our lunch was a take-out from Sungayan Grill – we ordered first in the morning before going to Bolinao Falls.

One thing I loved about this trip was the short, easy hikes to each waterfall—no exhausting treks! Just a heads-up, though: life vests are required for swimming at all the falls. To save on rental fees, it’s best to bring your own.

Entrance Fee and Opening Hours:

Entrance fee for all falls is ₱50 per head, with parking fees of ₱20 for motorcycles and ₱30 for cars. The falls are open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Location:

Barangay Samang Norte, Bolinao, 2406 Pangasinan

Check out my complete Bolinao Falls Guide here

Day 3: Patar Beach

One of the best parts of my Bolinao trip was visiting Patar Beach, just a quick 10-minute drive from our resort. It’s a public beach, but you’ll need to pay an entrance fee plus an environmental fee. Since we already paid the environmental fee during our visit to Bolinao Falls, we didn’t have to pay again. We arrived around 11 AM and rented a cottage where we enjoyed our brunch. The first thing I noticed? The sand isn’t white—it’s actually golden, and honestly, I think it looks even better!

Out in the distance, we saw beautiful rock formations with waves crashing against them. The water was just the right depth—not too shallow, not too deep—making our swim even more enjoyable. Plus, the clear emerald waters were so stunning that we couldn’t resist snapping tons of photos.

By the afternoon, more tourists started arriving, most likely to catch Patar Beach’s famous sunset, which, by the way, is absolutely breathtaking.

Before leaving, we checked out the souvenir shops nearby. There were also plenty of food stalls selling snacks, shakes, and local treats. If you plan to stay overnight, you’ll also find budget-friendly inns around the area.

Location:

Brgy. Patar, Bolinao Pangasinan

Patar Beach Entrance Fee and cottage rates:

Entrance fee ranges from ₱30 to ₱50 per person, depending on the season. Cottage rates range from ₱500 – ₱1,000.

Day 4: Bolinao Lighthouse, Rockview Rock Formations + Enchanted Cave

cape Bolinao Lighthouse

In the morning, we went to Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, located in Brgy.Patar. This lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in Pangasinan and one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines. With a height of 107 meters above sea level (including the hill’s elevation), it is the second-tallest lighthouse in the country. Though tourists can’t climb its 140-step spiral staircase or enter the tower, you can still admire this historic structure from the outside.

Right next to it, we found Cape Bolinao ruins, which used to be the lighthouse’s administrative building. Aside from taking photos, there’s not much to do here, but the breathtaking views of the beach and mountains make it well worth the visit. I suggest going here in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching midday sun.

Near the lighthouse, you’ll also find souvenir shops selling local delicacies, keychains, shirts, and other keepsakes—perfect for bringing home a little piece of Bolinao.

There is no entrance fee here, only an environmental fee. The lighthouse is open from 8 AM-5 PM.

Location: 8Q4P+V64, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Rock Formations at Rockview Resort

Patar isn’t just about golden sands and clear waters—it’s also home to beautiful rock formations along the shores of Patar Beach. To see them up close, we headed to Rockview Resort, just a few kilometers from the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. This spot offers amazing views and is perfect for taking photos.

We didn’t stay too long since it was noon and super hot, but if you plan to visit, I suggest going late in the afternoon. That way, you can avoid the intense midday sun and catch a beautiful sunset while you’re there.

Location: Patar Rd, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Enchanted Cave

We were supposed to go here after our rock formations visit, but we realized we were too tired, so we returned to our resort. You can add this to your Bolinao Pangasinan itinerary after the rock formations or lighthouse visit.

The Enchanted Cave is located inside a private resort featuring a stunning underground pool with crystal-clear turquoise water. To reach the pool, you’ll need to descend a 14.2-meter stairway, leading you into the cave’s interior. The cave pool is about 3 to 6 feet deep and can accommodate up to 16 people.

The Entrance Fee is ₱200 per person; however, if you plan to swim inside, you will be charged another ₱250. The cave is open from 8AM-5PM.

Location: 8RV3+6RC, Patar Rd, Bolinao, Pangasinan

Bolinao Pangasinan Itinerary 5 Days

Here’s our 5-day itinerary at Bolinao, which you can follow.

First Day:

• 12:00 AM-7:00 AM – Night Travel from Manila to Bolinao
• 7:00 AM – ETA Bolinao Pangasinan
• 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Patar Beach
• 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Stroll around Patar Beach and go to the Market to buy fresh food
• 11:00 AM – Early check-in at the resort
• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Rest at the resort
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Late Lunch and River Cruise at Sungayan Grill, Balingasay River
• 6:00 PM – Back to Resort

Second Day:

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast at the Resort
• 9:00 AM – ETA Bolinao Falls 1
• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Swimming at Bolinao Falls 1
• 11:15 AM – ETA Bolinao Falls 2
• 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Swimming at Bolinao Falls 2
• 1:15 PM – ETA Bolinao Falls 3
• 1:15 PM – 3:00 PM – Lunch at Bolinao Falls 3
• 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Swimming at Bolinao Falls 3
• 7:00 PM – Dinner at the Resort
• 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Night swimming at the resort

Third Day

• 10:00 AM – Breakfast at the Resort
• 11:00 AM – ETA Patar Beach
• 12:00 NN – 1:00 PM – Lunch
• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Swimming at Patar Beach
• 6:00 PM – Back to Resort

Fourth Day

• 10:00 AM – Breakfast at the Resort
• 11:00 AM – ETA Cape Bolinao
• 11:00 AM – 12 NN – Picture taking/buying souvenirs at Cape Bolinao
• 12:30 PM – ETA Rockview Resort
• 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM – Picture taking at Rock Formations
• 2:00 – 3:00 PM – Late Lunch at Sungayan Grill
• 4:00 PM – Back to resort
• 8:00 PM – Night swimming at the resort

Fifth Day/Final Day

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast at the resort
• 12:00 NN – Check out
• 2:00 PM – Late lunch in Alaminos, Pangasinan

Bolinao Pangasinan Beach Resorts

Cocos Beach Resort

Location: 9R7M+4V Bolinao, Pangasinan

Cocos Beach Resort Highlights: Rustic Ambiance, Private Villas, With a Swimming Pool.

During our trip to Bolinao, we spent 5 days and 4 nights at this resort, and I have to say, the ambiance was amazing. The whole place is surrounded by tall coconut trees, giving off that perfect tropical vibe. We booked their private villa for ₱4,000 per night, and it comes with a kitchen, refrigerator, three queen-size beds, and a private bathroom. Our villa was also located near the parking area and the swimming pool.

One of the highlights of our stay was the nearby rock formations. Since the beach is at low tide in the morning, we could walk there easily. On our fourth day, we went picture-taking there, and the rocks were truly photography-worthy.

Book through their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/p/COCOS-BEACH-Bolinao-100064126505587/

Rockview Sunset Beach Resort

Location: 8Q8M+VJ Bolinao, Pangasinan

Rockview Sunset Beach Resort Highlights: Near Patar Public Beach, Rock Formations, With a Swimming Pool.

Book through their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rockviewbeachresort14.net/

Cyan Sea Suites

Location: 390 Patar Rd, Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines

Cyan Sea Suites Resort Highlights: Luxury Beachfront, Infinity Pool, Jacuzzi Bathtub in all rooms.

Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cyanseasuites

Book via their official website here

Bolinao Pangasinan Inns

Bolinao Ecolodge

Book via Agoda here

RedDoorz @ Los Ecijanos Inn Pangasinan

Book via Agoda here

Abode21 Guest House

Book via Agoda here

How to go to Bolinao Pangasinan

Bolinao pangasinan map:

By bus:

Terminals are available in Cubao and Pasay that will take you directly to Bolinao. Once you arrive in Bolinao, you can hire a tricycle that will take you to your resort, which costs ₱150 – ₱200.

You can check the bus schedules here

By Private Car:

If you’re coming from Manila, drive through NLEX and TPLEX, then take the Ramos/Paniqui toll exit. The trip takes about 5-6 hours.

How to get around Bolinao

If you don’t have a private car, the best way to explore Bolinao is by hiring a tricycle, which costs around ₱1,500. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly option, perfect for small groups of up to four people.

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That’s it for this Bolinao Pangasinan Itinerary Guide! Bolinao is now one of my favorite travel destinations, and I can’t wait to be back here again to explore its scenic tourist spots. 🌴☀️

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